- 34% of the participant reported degree of conflict due to COVID-19
- Those who experienced conflict reported a decrease of frequency of intimate and sexual behaviors 
- The effect of COVID-19 related conflict is affecting men stronger than women in the frequency of intimate and sexual behaviors 
- Limitations: self-reported data, only heterosexual relationship 
- Future: more detailed questions about conflict on potential emotional or physical abuse



Smith College

- COVID-19 pandemic causes: disruptions of daily routines, anxiety of the pandemic, lack of physical activity, absence of outside social outlets, lack of access to unperson therapy, and reduced physical contact (e.g. hugging..)
- All may contribute to romantic relationship conflict 
- Previous study showed married couple experienced greater negative impact on mental well-being than unmarried couple during the pandemic 
- Psychological stress impact sexual desire and sexual function; sexual desire and orgasm are known to be supported by a lower-stress environment 
- Life-threatening event and Intense financial stress and economic hardship may lead to relationship conflict


Romantic Relationship Conflict Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Background stress and Changes in Intimate and Sexual Behaviors 


Luetke, M., Hensel, D., Herbenick, D., & Rosenberg, M. (2020). Romantic Relationship Conflict Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Intimate and Sexual Behaviors in a Nationally Representative Sample of American Adults. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1080/0092623X.2020.1810185


Romantic Relationship Conflict Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and Changes in Intimate and Sexual Behaviors in a Nationally Representative Sample of American Adults

- Conducted online survey —the 2020 National Survey of Sexual and Reproductive Health During COVID-19 (NSRHDC) ; sample size 1010 US adult recruited from online panel 
- The survey collected information on personal experiences, social and intimate relationships, and sexual behaviors in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic. 
- Participant characteristics: basic demographic information, relationship/marital status
- Relationship conflict: self-report tension, argument, difficulties 
- Changes in frequency of intimate and sexual behaviors: (1) hugging, kiss, hold hands, cuddle (2)masturbate (3)gave or received oral sex (4) intercourse 
- Event-level sexual experiences: orgasm and emotional closeness: if they experienced an orgasm (yes/no) or felt emotionally connected to partner during sexual event (yes/no). 
 


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